Only connect: why investing in relational infrastructure is critical for universities
Universities must invest in ‘relational infrastructure’ to reconnect with communities and prove their real-world public value.
Blog
The HEPI Blog aims to make brief, incisive contributions to the higher education policy landscape. It is circulated to our subscribers and published online. We welcome guest submissions, which should follow our Instructions for Blog Authors. Submissions should be sent to our Blog Editor, Rose Stephenson, at [email protected].
English language requirements under the microscope: Do you have what it takes to meet your university’s English language entry requirements for international students?
English language entry requirements are under scrutiny—could UK university staff pass the same tests faced by international students?
How prize named in honour of Tracey Bretag shows academic integrity is changing
Academic integrity efforts are evolving fast, with 2025 prize entries focusing on generative AI and institution-wide strategies.
Globally Competitive? What International Students Are Really Experiencing in the UK
Over half of international students report mental health struggles, as rising costs and visa limits challenge the UK’s appeal.
University Finance and Managing the Margins of Error
UK universities face stark financial contrasts, with sustainability hinging on margins, international student flows and course-level economics.
Collaborative IT Services in UK Universities: A Necessary Evolution
Collaborative IT services could unlock major efficiencies and innovation across UK universities, inspired by successful US models.
The Immigration White Paper — an Indian student’s perspective
The UK’s immigration reforms must protect international students, whose presence boosts skills, innovation and the economy.
UK higher education in spring 2025: 10 ‘killer facts’
Good morning. It is wonderful to be here, even if the outlook for our sector does not feel quite as rosy as when I have appeared here in the past – and, given the new migration white paper from the Home Office, not as rosy as it felt just a…
‘What the hell just happened?’ Australia’s flirtation with a levy on international students – By Professor Andrew Norton
For an Australian reader the UK immigration white paper’s proposal for a levy on international student fee revenue sounds familiar. In mid-2023 just such a levy was suggested for Australia by the interim report of a major higher education policy review. Like its UK version, the idea was to reinvest levy revenue in…
Higher Education franchising is not the problem. Rogue providers and regulatory gaps are
Gaps in regulation - not franchising itself - enable abuse, and closing them is key to restoring trust in the model.